Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How is breeding boas (or any reptile species) any different than breeding dogs; cats; etc?

Many of us are in this hobby for the sheer excitement of "baby day." How is that different than any other animal breeder? It is solely the "I'm scared" or "I hate snakes" attitude. Its the ignorant and the uneducated that in most dealings I've had feel this way.

One would have to believe there are far more stray dogs and cats, which can also be just as dangerous and even deadly, in Florida than the pythons that Washington is in such an uproar about. In no way would I ever condone releasing any foreign species into the public, but ultimately as we all know, the snakes aren't the problem. Its the irresponsible pet stores that sell the 18" python for $150 to the irresponsible, immature, degenerate that will in 2-3 years release the snake into the wild.

We've all seen the statistics for human related python deaths. There is no evidence that a boa has been responsible for any deaths in the U.S. I don't have that report handy, but I believe it was 12 deaths in about 15 years.

Dogs on the other hand. Understandably higher in population, dogs are responsible for far more deaths and injury than pythons or boas. Here is a list of reported dog attacks resulting in injury, death, and mauling (http://www.dogbitelaw.com/Dog Attacks 1982 to 2006 Clifton.pdf). The 264 deaths over a 24 year span is far greater than that of constrictor related deaths. Even a Jack Russell and a Dauchsund are on the list. A weiner dog? Come on!

All I'm trying to say is that there are far bigger issues for our Government to cry over. I don't want my dog to be taken away either. I've made my calls, sent my letters and emails. I hope everyone that hasn't does now.

HSUS wants to stop the private sector from breeding dogs and cats too. In fact they believe in animal rights, meaning that your pets are not your private property.

There is no difference except that dogs are a lot more dangerous and they are not the animals that get the knee jerk reaction that snakes do. That's the difference. Take down the ones that are easiest to get first. If they are successful, they will eventually be after dogs, cats and every animal that we eat.
-----
Jeff Ronne Sr
The Boaphile
Director USARK

Originator of Boaphile Plastics
The Boaphile Boa Site

Well in some towns thats already happening with certain breeds of dogs. If i lived in say denver my dogs would of been put to sleep already. Its true its just a matter of time before they come after other pets. Then where will it end?

I owned a Pitbull in Miami which was illeagal based on the assumption that they were a dangerous breed. Pitbulls have a reputation for being agressive attack dogs. The problem is not with the dog but with it's owner. If raised to be a gentle loving creature than you would never know that side. I lived in fear of someone coming to my home and taking my family member away. A few bad apples ruin it for all.

Large constrictors have never been the issue, it's always been the owner. I've owned Burms and Retics to 16 ft and never had a single issue. I now breed Boas and have to worry about this nightmare.

Unfortunately, the uninformed and emotional often have the power to make bad laws. Lets hope this isn't one of them because it will not end here and those who have stood on the sidelines thinking this wasn't their fight soon will be calling on us for support.